rocks from kp aquatics

[rubixcube]

first timer. getting 60 pounds of starter rock from kp aquatics here soon. won't be setting up the tank until a few days after. plan was to stick them in a trash can. can i use tap water and LFS salt as the solution for them? does it have to be DI?

 

[crazyfishmom]

first timer. getting 60 pounds of starter rock from kp aquatics here soon. won't be setting up the tank until a few days after. plan was to stick them in a trash can. can i use tap water and LFS salt as the solution for them? does it have to be DI?

If you use tap you’ll likely cause issues and lose some of the great commensal bacteria populations that you’re trying to get into your tank by putting in those rocks.

 

[rubixcube]

If you use tap you’ll likely cause issues and lose some of the great commensal bacteria populations that you’re trying to get into your tank by putting in those rocks.

what type of water do you recommend?

 

[AetherealKnight]

what type of water do you recommend?

RODI water. Your local reef store should be able to sell it to you for the time being until you decide to invest into a RODI system.

 

[PharmrJohn]

first timer. getting 60 pounds of starter rock from kp aquatics here soon. won't be setting up the tank until a few days after. plan was to stick them in a trash can. can i use tap water and LFS salt as the solution for them? does it have to be DI?

I'd use RODI. Also, I'd seriously consider getting an RODI unit. They're nice to have around.

 

[slingfox]

You should get an RODI unit and plan to make your own freshwater and saltwater at home. This will save you a lot of money in the long run. No point in buying premium live rock and then cheaping on water quality.

 

[rubixcube]

going to stick a powerhead in there. should i stick a heater in as well?

 

[Doctorgori]

If you are just cleaning/cycling the rock and eventually going to toss the water in short order, then tap should be ok with the caveat it all depends on the source…

Would WVa mountain spring water work? sure
whereas I’d pass on FLint Michigan tap …

 

[leepink23]

going to stick a powerhead in there. should i stick a heater in as well?

I would use Rodi saltwater, heater, powerhead and a light for 6-8 hours.

 

[Tamberav]

what type of water do you recommend?

You can buy gallons of distilled like at Walmart and mix it with salt.

 

[alton]

RODI water Yes, heater not required unless your home is less than 72. Adding an air stone wouldn't hurt either. You have a nice investment in the rock, no use cutting corners now. And Enjoy the future aquarium

 

[Doctorgori]

Gulf temps get down into the 60’s …that stuff will survive without a heater…

The funk from stuff dying on the rock mitigates any need for stressing over initial water quality when curing … yes you should usually use RO water but how much impact that has initially is questionable
… Will the perceived added nastiness in tap water really make that much difference ?

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

If you dont have RODI water buy distilled water. RO water is second best. Id imagine youll kill most of the microfauna and some of the bacteria as well if you dont mix salt with it.
I definitely wouldnt use tap water. If your tap water has been through a water treatment plant (unless you have your own well, it has), then some type of disinfectant was added and is still in the water such as chlorine or chloramines. Other additives like fluoride might not be good either. Unless you have one of the few treatment plants that uses ozone only, the chemicals will likely be pretty hard on your investment. Its not really worth it.

 

[Doctorgori]

After Deepwater Horizon and with all the crap we dump in the gulf …I’d be more concerned about the water the rock came from than any pollution from Texas tap water ….

besides One dead snail and all that trouble with adding clean RO water in first place becomes irrelevant …

they also make dechlor

 

[Scoob]

I have KP live rock. I just can't imagine dropping that much money and just letting it sit around . Mine went straight in the tank. Get some water setup first.

 

[t5Nitro]

I would use Rodi saltwater, heater, powerhead and a light for 6-8 hours.

Agree with all the above. Time to invest in an RODI system. LFS saltwater until you get one shipped and installed.

KP is great rock to keep the fauna alive. It doesn't have awesome shape like the Australian rocks coming in so I wouldn't personally want it to be glorified marco rock.

 

[alton]

I hate threads without pictures so lets change that
1st order 12-2015 60lbs $5 a pound

By 2-21-16 with no algae or fresh tank start up issues. They shipped just in wet newspaper back then now I believe you can get it in water

 

[t5Nitro]

You get it in water if you pay to ship in water. I did this for 10# of rock, and I think it was worth it!! Since we're all somewhat rock collectors.... this stuff is pretty nice.

Outside of investing in an RODI system, live ocean rock from a good source might be the best investment in the hobby (I think).

 

[Doctorgori]

I ordered my KP rock with water. I did not and would not put it in my tank straight away however. I strongly advise against this…

I let it sit is a circulation tub for several days to remove the fireworms and gorilla crabs and mantis shrimp …I did find ALL of the above plus a flame scallop, pistol shrimp and long spine urchin

I would strongly advise inspection and pest removal before going online in the display tank…
Again: I would NOT place this rock in any display directly without some “ quarantine” first..

I also changed the water several times, not bothering with all the RO/DI hub bub as I fully intended to toss the water anyway. I seriously doubt anything below toxicity levels (for humans) in the tap affected the rock as it was exposed only briefly … making up “pristine” water only to toss it is a waste IMO …

 

[Doctorgori]

RODI water Yes, heater not required unless your home is less than 72. Adding an air stone wouldn't hurt either. You have a nice investment in the rock, no use cutting corners now. And Enjoy the future aquarium

Yes, I should have been clearer: RO/DI is absolutely essential, just not necessary if your makeup water is going to be tossed within a day..

When I get new rock I change the water a few times waiting for any die off….the makeup water being tap (in this case only) ….RO is actually pretty wasteful

Anyway,Upon further reading I didn’t realize it was suggested to place the rock direct into the display (which I advise against doing)